This isn't really a request for help, just a request for information, so I thought it'd sit better in here than in the help forums.

Can someone explain how wifi hotspots in cafe's stations etc work?

If I take my wireless laptop along to one of these places and bung them the dosh how do they get my laptop enabled on their network? Does it just require them to do something their side (e.g. register my mac address on their routers) or do they need to do something on my laptop (e.g. set up the encryption key?) - if so are they likely to be linux friendly or will it be some widoze only setup?

Also if I was to get a Bt Openworld account I believe they have hotspots in stations etc. does that mean I can then use these hotspots & have it charged to my account - if so is this likely to be linux friendly or will it be windoze only?